Geo-temporal patterns to design cost-effective interventions for zoonotic diseases -the case of brucellosis in the country of Georgia

IntroductionControl of zoonosis can benefit from geo-referenced procedures. Focusing on brucellosis, here the ability of two methods to distinguish disease dissemination patterns and promote cost-effective interventions was compared.MethodGeographical data on bovine, ovine and human brucellosis reported in the country of Georgia between 2014 and 2019 were investigated with (i) the Hot Spot (HS) analysis and (ii) a bio-geographical (BG) alternative.ResultsMore than one fourth of all sites reported cases affecting two or more species. While ruminant cases displayed different patterns over time, most human cases described similar geo-temporal features, which were associated with the route used by migrant shepherds. Other human cases showed heterogeneous patterns. The BG approach identified small areas with a case density twice as high as the HS method. The BG method also identified, in 2018, a 2.6–2.99 higher case density in zoonotic (human and non-human) sites than in non-zoonotic sites (which only reported cases affecting a single species) –a finding that, if corroborated, could support cost-effective policy-making.DiscussionThree dissemination hypotheses were supported by the data: (i) human cases induced by sheep-related contacts; (ii) human cases probably mediated by contaminated milk or meat; and (iii) cattle and sheep that infected one another. This proof-of-concept provided a preliminary validation for a method that may support cost-effective interventions oriented to control zoonoses. To expand these findings, additional studies on zoonosis-related decision-making are recommended

Crisis intensification of geoecological situation of the Caucasus Black Sea coast and the strategy of risk reduction

AbstractThe segment of Caucasus Black Sea coast, which is geographically considered as a united geosystem placed in the areal of the segments of Greater and Lesser Caucasus, is one of the densely populated and utilized regions of our Planet, herewith, it is extremely complicated geoecologically and in very crisis situation. In this regard particularly special situation is created in view of development of elemental geological processes of large scale and frequency of its recurrence, which obtained particular character since the end of 20th century. Damaged area makes about 60% and the high risk zone – about 45%. Special geoecological situation created in the Caucasus Black Sea coast needs particular nature use regime, complex approach of its target utilization and integrated management of geological environment, which foresees the identification of risks of geoecological hazards stipulated by natural and anthropogenic impact, elaboration of criteria of gaudiness of geological environment and working out of regional scheme of minimization of risk of natural hazards. Solution of these key problems will be able by statement of several conceptual issues, such as: identification of background situation of present geological environment, degree of damage of the area by elemental-hazard events and their risk; Regarding interrelation of homogenous geological environment and modification regulations: revealing of the character, scales and distribution areals of modification of geological environment destroyed by anthropogenic stresses, statement of criteria of possibility of human stress proceeding from sensitivity of geological environment and ranging the area according to the possible geological complications from “normal” up to “crisis” situation; working out of regional scheme of integrated management of area and recovery of geological situation

Hydrological and Hydrogeological Characteristics of the Platform Karst (Zemo Imereti Plateau, Georgia)

The article discusses the hydrological and hydrogeological characteristics of the platform karst of Zemo Imereti plateau. The structural plateau of Zemo Imereti is the part of the intermountain plain karst zone of Georgia and one of the interesting parts of the karst relief development. The above mentioned karst region includes the easternmost part of western Georgia, which is characterized by peculiar natural conditions (relief, tectonics, climate, surface and underground streams) and represents one of the significant platform karst regions in the Caucasus. On the basis of the cartographic materials (GIS) analysis and borehole data the general scheme of hydrogeological setting of the Zemo Imereti structural plateau (two hydrogeological basins were defined) was created as confirmed by experiments. In addition, it was identified that underground karst water flowing from the periphery to the center determines sedimentation together with the broken dislocations within the frame of the structural plateau. The study found that within the Chiatura structural plateau the joint karst hydrogeological system (with enough dynamic water resources) has been established, which mainly is unloaded in sources of Ghrudo vaucluse and the surrounding area (local erosion basis). Ghrudo hydrogeological system and Chiatura structural plateau are characterized by the systems of isolated karst-fissure waters with different hypsometric location and orientation. Therefore, based on these studies, it could be said that in karst areas the structural features can define the characteristic of groundwater circulation, but karst age can also make a significant adjustment